Why Most Basketball Training Isn’t Helping

Why Most Basketball Training Isn’t Helping

From Its Just Different Podcast by Ashley Roberts

March 10, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

Ashley Roberts discusses effective youth basketball training with player development coach Tony Hobbs.

Youth basketball training has exploded in recent years — but not all training is actually helping players develop. In this episode of It’s Just Different, Ashley Roberts sits down with player development coach Tony Hobbs to break down what real basketball development should look like and how parents can better support their athletes along the way. From the rise of private trainers to the pressure of AAU and high school basketball schedules, Tony shares why basketball IQ, live play, and real game situations matter more than flashy drills or social media highlights. If you’re a parent trying to find the right trainer, a player working to improve your game, or a coach thinking about long-term athlete development, this conversation offers important perspective. - The difference between a trainer and a true player development coach - Why cone drills and isolated workouts don’t always translate to games - How parents can support their child’s development without overstepping - The importance of live play, film study, and real decision -making- How to keep athletes motivated and avoid burnout during high school - What to look for when choosing the right development coach If you’re…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley Roberts

Guest: Tony Hobbs

Topics covered

  • youth basketball training
  • player development
  • basketball IQ
  • AAU basketball
  • coaching
  • athlete support

Keywords

  • basketball training
  • player development coach
  • youth sports
  • AAU
  • basketball IQ
  • live play
  • coaching tips

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bridge Basketball Academy

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